Figured we might as well start a thread about our free agents and if they should stay or go. Here is a list of our free agents:
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
Player Pos.
Morris Claiborne CB Let him go. I know he looked improved earlier in the year, but he was actually pretty bad throughout and graded out really poorly according to PFF. I see no reason to bring him back.
Greg Hardy DE Bring him back if it's a reasonable deal. I don't think he's going to have a huge market in free agency, he didn't do enough to earn a big long-term deal from someone else.
Mackenzy Bernadeau OL Churn him, he's a JAG who can easily be replaced by a younger, cheaper guy.
Jeremy Mincey DE Churn him, we've got enough depth at DE now that Mincey wouldn't bring us much for the money he's going to want.
Rolando McClain LB Probably the toughest one on the list, I'd like to bring him back on a short term deal but I'm not sure he's worth the headache as it seems like his heart really isn't into football.
Kyle Wilber LB No thanks, he's another JAG who doesn't have any upside. Can easily be replaced by a minimum salary young guy or late draft pick / UDFA
James Hanna TE Get rid of, Swaim should be able to step into his (minimal) role next year.
Matt Cassel QB Adios, not worth the veteran price tag from what we saw of him this year.
Lance Dunbar RB Bring back as long as he's cheap, he was pretty valuable in the passing game before he got hurt.
Jack Crawford DE Keep, he's pretty solid rotational depth along the DL and won't be expensive.
Nick Hayden DT Good fucking riddance, he's consistently graded out as one of the worst DTs in the NFL over the past couple years. Wouldn't keep him if he wanted to play for free.
Danny McCray S No thanks, he brings nothing other than ST and that's not worth a veteran contract.
Charles Brown OT Don't think he did anything all year. See no reason to bring him back.
Josh Thomas CB Same as Brown.
Robert Turbin RB Keep him on a short term deal if we can, he looked decent as a change of pace back.
Tyler Clutts FB Doesn't matter either way, didn't seem like we utilized him much this year. Probably just find a younger, cheaper UDFA who can do exactly the same job.
Rodney Smith WR Who? Goodbye.
Casey Walker DT Same as Rodney Smith.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
Player Pos. Status
Ronald Leary OG Tender but willing to deal him if a team wants to give up a mid-round draft pick.
Jeff Heath S Would give him the minimum tender, he's actually improved from last year and can play on ST.
So who would you try and keep? Who would you kick to the curb?